God's miracle-working power can show up when least expected

Source: Wikipedia -- John Everett Millais' Victory O Lord! (1871)

One of God’s spectacular names is Jehovah Nissi – the Lord My Banner. It’s an awesome name, and it’s the name Moses attributed to God in Exodus 17 when Israel defeated the Amalekites. Moses knew God had protected them and that under His power and authority – the banner of a mighty God – Israel had overcome its enemies.

Scholars say Jehovah Nissi also means the Lord My Miracle., and the Lord is my refuge in the Septuagint. Because we’re discussing God’s miracle-working power as we count down to Dallas Leadership Foundation’s 18^th annual Treasures of Hope Christmas Store on Dec. 14, we can draw several nuggets about God's miraculous power.

Both meanings of Jehovah Nissi offer an interesting context to this passage in Exodus. Early in the chapter, the Israelites were thirsty as they camped in Rephidim, which means rests or stays. Even though they'd witnessed God's deliverance at the Red Sea, the Israelites weren’t restful at all! They were focused on their need. You know the story – the newly freed Israelites “complained against Moses” (v.3) about their thirst. God responded by telling Moses to strike the rock with his rod. Then water flowed (verses 5 and 6).

After the need for water, the Israelites faced another crisis. The Amalekites initiated a conflict with Israel (v. 8). Moses used his rod again, a wonderful picture of fervent intercession, as Israel fought against this unprovoked attack. Verses 11-13 says:

And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Sometimes, we can’t perceive the miracles before us. The Israelites initially viewed Rephidim as a place of dryness and need. But there was hidden water and rest in that location. Are there situations you’ve declared hopeless? Consider taking a second look. God can provide a miracle where you least suspect.

The story in Exodus also shows us that it’s a privilege to participate with Jehovah Nissi to bring deliverance. As God did with Moses, Aaron, Hur, and Joshua, God designates roles for us. Moses, Aaron, and Hur watched the battle from a hilltop while Joshua and his soldiers fought the Amalekites. In the end, the victory, the miracle, all came from God.

As we prepare for this Christmas season, let's not miss opportunities to discover miraculous provision in places that may seem barren. Let's ask God where the miracles are! May we also complete the assignments God gives us. When we accept His invitation to serve, we get to view His wonders first hand. And who wants to miss that?

Help Dallas Leadership Foundation serve as a conduit for God’s miracles to Dallas families. Sign up to volunteer or browse our new online Treasures of Hope Christmas store at dlftx.org/events and purchase a gift for someone special. Share this post on your social networks with the hashtag #WebelieveGodcan.